Times Are Hard For Dreamers

Tuesday's Truth

2010-04-13T08:35:00.000-07:00

There's nothing wrong with being a romantic.

Reality TV Killed the Music Video

2010-03-30T22:51:00.000-07:00

I miss the 90's...

Bone reminds me of Summers in Florida:

I vividly remember watching this video on a lonely rainy day, that was back when I didn't have friends, all I had was music:

Remember Pop-Up Video?

My Favorite Song in Middle School:

This video doesn't require an explanation - Ohhhh 3EB, I'm sure all of the energy and time, and money that I invested in you during my youth has some significant value:

Well, that was fun. Time for bed.

Self.

2010-02-17T07:40:00.001-08:00

By the end of 2010, I will:

1) Speak Japanese. This will be with thanks to the Rosetta Stone and digging up those 6 years of Nihon-gakko from the archives of my brain.

2) Compose 3 new pieces for Mirai Daiko.

3) Learn Rhapsody in Blue in its entirety.

4) Travel to a distant land (this one is relative).

5) Start my own business.

6) Raise the bar.

7) Learn to love myself more.

Truth.

2010-02-16T10:56:00.000-08:00

“Oh soul,
you worry too much.
You have seen your own strength.
You have seen your own beauty.
You have seen your golden wings.
Of anything less,
why do you worry?
You are in truth
the soul, of the soul, of the soul.”

- Jalāl ad-Dīn Muḥammad Rūmī

Loving-Kindness in Bhutan

2010-02-15T17:06:00.000-08:00

***excerpt from "The Geography of Bliss: Eric Weiner"***

... When we arrive at the hotel- which Tashi points out by declaring, "We have arrived at the hotel, sir"- I am in no mood for small talk with the staff, so I carry a chair to the balcony outside my room and sit. Just sit. My head is spinning. Karma Ura has thrown me for a loop. Happiness is low expectations? How do I reconcile that with my driving ambition, which has served me so well in life? Or has it? And what he said about compassion being the ultimate ambition. What was that about?

Then I see it. About two feet from me. A bug. It is lying upside down, its tiny legs flailing futilely. I look away. But my eyes are drawn back to this tiny creature in such a pathetic state.

I consider my options. Option One: I can squash it and put it out of its misery. The main advantage of Option One is that it ends suffering, the bug's and mine. Option Two: I could ignore it, which is how I usually respond when faced with the suffering of others. Don't get involved. Be a good journalist. Remain neutral at all costs. But this is not a news story. There will be no "Bug Dies in Himalayas. Family Distraught. Footage at 11:00."

There is, I realize, an Option Three. I could intervene and save a life- an insect life, true, but still a life. I take a tentative step toward the bug and give it a gentle kick. Only it's not quite as gentle as I intended, and the bug slides a good ten feet across the patio, still upside down, legs still flailing. Okay, another failed humanitarian intervention. The United States- with all of its resources- couldn't save Somalia or Iraq, so why should I feel bad that I couldn't save one bug?

I got downstairs to my room a half hour later, out of morbid curiosity I peek out on the patio and see that the bug is still flailing, though losing steam. Why the hell should I care? I hate bugs, damn it. But all this Buddhist talk of loving-kindness has gotten to me. What the heck, I give the bug one more kick, this time more gently, and in an instant it is right-side up, scampering away. Not thanking me, but that's okay. It feels good. I saved a life. I got involved.

A postscript. When I stepped out on the patio later that evening I found a bug, the very same bug I'm sure, on its back again. I couldn't believe my eyes. This time, I did nothing. I slept easily that night, though. Nobody, not even Karma Ura, I bet, can save a dumb bug from itself.

Pure Music

2010-01-31T20:39:00.000-08:00

"Delicate sounds of the jeweled trees of the jeweled forests
Produce natural music serene and consonant;
Excellent are the pathos, grace, elegance and resonance
Take refuge in the Pure Music."
- Shinran Shonin, Jodo Wasan

Teardrop - Massive Attack

John Legend "Motherless Child" & Hope for Haiti

2010-01-26T14:19:00.000-08:00

This is beautiful.

Donate Now: 1-877-99-HAITI in US/Canada, or go to www.hopeforhaitinow.org

Support 'Hope for Haiti' and download/purchase the album!
http://www.cmt.com/haiti/

1 of 365...

2010-01-11T16:34:00.000-08:00

1. Today I feel... hopeful.

I am simplifying my life.

Super Espresso Mona Lisa

2010-01-08T21:30:00.000-08:00

This is incredible... what these people have done for the love of art, creative expression, and coffee:

Read the article here! c/o 'Eat Me Daily' Blog

I ::Heart:: New Releases!

2009-11-16T11:20:00.000-08:00

I can't wait for these upcoming releases:
- John Mayer : Battle Studies
- Blakroc : S/T (?) [Black Keys w/Mos Def, Q-Tip, RZA, Pharoah Monch...etc...]
- Norah Jones : The Fall [co-written by Ryan Adams!]

I also long to have in my collection...
- The Swell Season : Strict Joy
- Dirty Projectors : Bitte Orca
- Sondre Lerche : Heartbeat Radio

Yes, finally - new releases for me to be excited about!

<3

Love of my life...

2009-06-15T23:39:00.000-07:00

The Visitor

2009-05-23T21:05:00.000-07:00

My heart versus my head are tied right now, but I sense that the heart is attempting to take the lead...

Hira-Daiko

2009-05-20T11:36:00.000-07:00

Look at what we will be proud owners of within the next year!

breathe.

2009-05-12T11:13:00.000-07:00

This tugging at my chest will subside... I know it...

And the whirlwind of chaos in my head, will vanish.

I only need to push through.

and remember to breathe.

::::::breathe::::::

Hope: 'Twit-i-fined'

2009-05-04T13:29:00.000-07:00

johncmayer: Hope isn't something you create, it's something you let inside.about 1 hour ago from TwitterBerry

I kind of am enjoying this whole twitter thing... despite the fact that a month ago I considered it a ridiculous waste of energy. I enjoy reading people's quips and tangents in abbreviated format.

The Hallway

2009-04-30T14:02:00.000-07:00

This is quite wonderful.

Not for the faint of heart...

2009-04-30T13:54:00.000-07:00

Chocolove's Raspberries in Dark Chocolate...

Try it if you dare...
...it made me weak in the knees and now I'm a self-proclaimed addict.
Chocolate really is better than men.
At least for the moment.

A Rainy Day Meal on a Sunny Day

2009-04-24T11:24:00.000-07:00

A delicate meal that for some reason reminded me of rainy day driving with foggy windows on a narrow road lined with lush, green, handsomely tall trees somewhere along the coast of the Pacific Northwest.

Could've been the film we were watching...

Asia came over to eat something before we stopped in at Mead Street Station and she sat in with Laura Newman's group. This was a dinner that made my stomach & brain smile. I don't want to forget it, so I am documenting it... here!
Sorry in advance for my non-professional kitchen measurements and terminology.

Bay Scallop Skillet
1 handful of bay scallops
2 turnips cut in half and then slice into thin wedges
6 brussel sprouts (chopped in quarters)
1/4 sweet onion, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
6 yellow baby carrots, chopped
1/2 handful of sage leaves

First I set the stovetop to medium-hot and sauteed the turnips, brussel sprouts, and bay scallops in a sliver of butter and olive oil... I added a small portion of vegetable broth for flavor and moisture. I also lightly salted and peppered the medly. Once the veggetables and scallops were slightly browned I added in the rest of my vegetables, as well as a little bit more olive oil and vegetable broth so they would not burn. I continued to stir the contents of the pan while sprinkling truffle oil, salt, pepper, herbs de provence, chili-flakes (for bite)over the top and finally folded the sage leaves into the mixture until they were just a little bit crispy.

Cranberry Almond Quinoa
2 cups quinoa
4 cups water
1 handful dried cranberries
1/2 handful sliced almonds
loads of cinnamonnnnnnn

Very simply made - boiled water, tossed in quinoa and put lid on until all moisture was absorbed and quinoa was light and fluffy. Folded in cranberries and almonds... added a tiny bit of olive oil... shook a ton of saigon cinnamon into the finished product and mixed. Tasty!

Picture will be posted shortly.

Courtney is...

2009-04-18T06:34:00.000-07:00

According to Google:

Courtney is Headed to Africa!
Courtney is moving on.
Courtney is examining our financial models.
Courtney.is.silly.
Courtney is an @$$*%(#.
Courtney is famous.
Courtney is a princess.
Courtney is a budokon fan.
Courtney is an inspiration to us all.

Something to smile at this snow-laden Saturday morning.

Amazing.

2009-04-10T07:10:00.001-07:00

Introspection.

2009-04-09T14:27:00.001-07:00

This sounds about right...

Accomodation 90%
Artistic 90%
Humanitarian 90$
Romantic 90%
Work Ethic 83%

Stability 10%
Avoidant 10%
Hedonism 30%
Materialism 36%
Change Averse 36%

Parallel

2009-04-08T16:09:00.000-07:00

A Day in the Life...

2009-03-26T12:50:00.000-07:00

03.20.09
Pints Pub Scotch Tour + MEISA Mafia

03.21.09
CREATE DENVER Business Expo

Night Owls

03.22.09
Sunday Morning

2009-03-25T12:23:00.000-07:00

This girl I know needs some shelter

She don't believe anyone can help her

She's doing so much harm, doing so much damage

But you don't want to get involved

You tell her she can manage
And you can't change the way she feels

But you could put your arms around her

I know you want to live yourself

But could you forgive yourself

If you left her just the way you found her

I stand in front of you

I'll take the force of the blow

Protection
...
You're a boy and i'm a girl

But you know you can lean on me

And I don't have no fear

I'll take on any man here

Who says that's not the way it should be

I stand in front of you

I'll take the force of the blow

Protection

...

She's a girl and you're a boy

Sometimes you look so small, look so small

You've got a baby of your own

When your baby's grown, she'll be the one

To catch you when you fall

...

Sometimes you look so small, need some shelter

Just runnin' round and round, helter skelter

And I've leaned on you for years

Now you can lean on me

And that's more than love, that's the way it should be

Now I can't change the way you think

But I can put my arms around you

That's just part of the deal

That's the way I feel

I put my arms around you

I stand in front of you

I'll take the force of the blow

...
You're a boy and I'm a girl

Mmmmmm Mmmmmm

2009-03-18T12:55:00.000-07:00

http://www.justhungry.com/

I can't wait to try out some of these recipes and such!

There is more to life...

2009-02-27T14:45:00.000-08:00

... than this frustration.

I have nothing further to say at this time. I am simply royally frustrated.

Grr.

Tasty Rabbit Food + More

2009-01-20T12:02:00.000-08:00

Courtney's Winter Endive Salad:

- 1 Endive (chopped)
- A Small Portion of Sweet White Onion (for taste)
- 1 Hard Boiled Egg (white only/chopped)
- 1 Handful Shaved Parmesan
- 1 Small Roma Tomato (chopped)
- 5 Green Olives (chopped)

Mix all dry ingredients- sprinkle with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, a pinch of black pepper and kosher salt- mix again, and enjoy!!! Delicious, refreshing, and healthy mmm

A ring on that finger...

2009-01-16T12:24:00.000-08:00

Half of my high school class is married.

Awkward.

Solo.

2008-12-13T18:42:00.000-08:00

I am so ridiculously lonely.

OBAMA!

2008-11-09T21:51:00.000-08:00

Okay, so this is sort of late... but I have to document it in my blog (that nobody but me reads anyway).

OBAMA WINS

Where his life began...

2008-10-30T14:00:00.000-07:00

The House Where Brahms Was Born

Must..... have.... $...

2008-09-20T22:56:00.000-07:00

I need a second job.

Dislike <----> Like

2008-09-04T17:14:00.000-07:00

Things I DISLIKE today:

1) Speed Bumps.

2) Wire hangers.

3) Cat Hair!

4) Play-Doh Cologne?!.

Things I LIKE today:

1) The following songs...
- Teddy Thompson : In My Arms
- Justice : D.A.N.C.E

- Bon Iver : Skinny Love
- CSS : Music is My Hot, Hot Sex
- Aretha Franklin : Don't Play That Song

- Band of Horses : No One's Gonna Love You
- Sage Francis : Black Out on White Night
- David Gray : Late Night Radio
- Imogen Heap : Hide and Seek

- Reggie and the Full Effect : Get Well Soon
- Avishai Cohen : Smash
- Brand New : Jesus
- Silversun Pickups : Little Lover's So Polite
- Kenna : Freetime

- Norah Jones : The Story
- Kanye West : Flashing Lights
- Lauryn Hill : Ex-Factor
- Jay Brannan : Goddammned
- Van Morrison : Moondance
- Death Cab For Cutie : Cath

Finetune.comhas a pretty neat music player:

2)The Meadowlark.

3) Backless T-Shirts.

4) Sam Flores.

5) Chocolate Chip Pancakes.

I want this.

2008-07-24T10:14:00.000-07:00

Blueberry pie ... a la mode...
The kiss ...

OR both.

>>>>>>NOISE<<<<<<

2008-05-01T14:43:00.000-07:00

I cannot stand certain noises:

a) Vaccuum Cleaners in the office on Thursdays.

b) Semi-Trucks or Motorcycles next to my car window on the highway.

c) Boisterous Voices ... especially when in a crowded room.

d) Fire Alarms (it's worst when you don't know where the alarm is)

e) When somebody tries to 'whisper in your ear' but they over-compensate for the background noise and it's deafening.

2008-03-18T14:50:00.000-07:00

How do I love you Parisi?
Let me count the ways...

1) Tagliatelle Gamberetti. The most delicious pasta I have ever tasted... mmmm saffron & homemade noodles.
2) A Marketplace full of delightful treats, and the soft pignolis with sweet almond goodness and crunchy pine-nuts.
3) A Highlands Location in the heart of a friendly Denver community.

Personified Computer Program

2008-03-18T14:32:00.000-07:00

One of our orchestra mass-emails returned somebody's un-deliverable mail to us with this message:

"I'm afraid I wasn't able to deliver your message to the following addresses.
This is a permanent error; I've given up. Sorry it didn't work out."

Quite funny.

WARNING! Very Girly...

2008-03-13T15:26:00.000-07:00

"I believe in pink. I believe that laughing is the best calorie burner. I believe in kissing, kissing a lot. I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day, and I believe in miracles." ------Audrey Hepburn

Deceased.

2008-03-12T14:59:00.001-07:00

It has definitely been one of those days.

I was just doing monotonous check entry for the internet company, feeling like a brick had fallen on the top of my head, and I came across a customer's hand-written note on her statement:

Deceased.
(Robert is deceased).
Send only to Phyllis.

Giant tears welled up in the creases of my eyes.
Life is so fragile and I spent the entire morning upset and provoked by insignificant things.

I have so much to learn.

La Casa Bonita...

2008-02-23T08:34:00.000-08:00

It was everything I couldn't have hoped for to remember and more!

... and that freaky wishing well guy that I spent so many hours of my childhood listening to talk is still functioning.

Hidden from the world.

2008-02-22T12:54:00.000-08:00

I am living multiple lives right now.

Every other moment can attest to the fact that I am indeed more than one Courtney right now. I breathe the same air, am held up by the same skin and bones, but my soul is being positively selfish and allowing me to relish in the multi-faceted, quixotic, surreal, un-inhibited romantic life that I am currently wading in.

Interesting. Indeed.

"I'm astounded by people who want to 'know' the universe when it's hard enough to find your way around Chinatown."
-Woody Allen

Yesterday night. Tonight is much better.

2008-01-30T20:22:00.000-08:00

Alone.

Complete solace?

or... Unforgiving silence?

The realization that this is now and forever despite the warmth that flows in and out of my soul, caressing it for fleeting moments but never finding the central peace that it searches for.

Please help me, universe, some direction? What do I do now?

Another One Passed

2007-12-28T15:29:00.000-08:00

Impermanence - the property of not existing for indefinitely long durations

How is it that so much hope is harbored in the turn of a new year? Call me a pessimist, but I've never kept the resolutions that I've set for myself... and instead of encouraging me to make grand gestures and initiate significant positive changes in my life, resolutions set me up for disappointment and self-depreciation. It's primarily due to the fact that I over-idealize everything and I start with a realistic goal but consequentially get carried away by adding idea upon idea until my initial resolution has snowballed into a gigantic impossibility.

All at once.

2007-03-05T16:48:00.000-08:00

One day... New York City and I will have a love affair.